Planning a Disney vacation can feel pretty overwhelming at times. Whether you’re planning to go to Disneyland Park in Anaheim or Disney World in Orlando, with so many things to plan, it can be difficult to know where to start!
Don’t worry! We’re here to break down some of the top tips and tricks you can use now to make your Disney vacation as smooth as possible. Read on to discover how you can make your Disney vacation one you’ll never forget!
1. Download the App
Nowadays, it seems like there is an app for just about everything. You might not need every app on the market, but if you’re planning a Disney vacation, you need the Disney app, whether it’s My Disney Experience for Disney World or the Disneyland app.
The Disney app will help you plan almost every part of your vacation, from keeping track of ride times to dining reservations to Fast Passes. Don’t forget to download it early!
2. Buy Tickets in Advance
If you’re trying to make your trip as smooth as possible, buying your tickets is a must. Not only will this help you save way more money in the long run, but it will also ensure that you have one less line to wait in once you get to the gates.
Buying tickets in advance is also a great way to get an idea earlier on of how long you intend to be in the parks and what you’ll have time for.
3. Make Dining Reservations
Because Disney can get so busy, it’s a good idea to use that app you downloaded to make dining reservations in advance. This will save you the hassle of having to wait for a table once you’re in the parks.
You’ll also get the chance to look at the menus of all of the restaurants on-site so you can ensure that everyone in your party has something they can enjoy.
4. Create a Realistic Itinerary
Of course, you can’t do absolutely everything on your Disney vacation. Even with an unlimited amount of time and money, you and your friends and family will probably get very tired from trying to squeeze in everything into a trip.
So, the best thing to do is try to create a realistic itinerary for your trip. Think about the things that you want to prioritize and plan around that. Make sure to leave some time for resting, eating, and especially if you’re visiting during the summer, getting out of the sun!
5. Pack Appropriately
Anaheim and Orlando are two relatively different climates, but there are certain similarities to consider when packing. If you intend to visit during the summer, definitely pack light clothes and always pack sturdy, comfortable shoes.
It’s a good idea to bring your own reusable water bottle to bring into the park to fill up. You might even consider bringing some of your own snacks if you want to avoid spending money on every single meal.
6. Consider Staying on the Property
If you’re planning on staying for a few days, there are a lot of benefits to staying on the property. Not only will you have a unique vacation experience, but you’ll also be much closer to the parks with free transportation, as well as the best FastPass+ reservations, free Magic Bands, and extra park hours.
If you’re looking to save even more money, you can even rent DVC points. Here’s how to transfer your Disney Vacation Club points for more info.
7. Give Yourself Time
As you’re planning out your itinerary, as we’ve stated, you want to make sure you’ve left enough downtime to fully enjoy your vacation without getting burnt out.
It’s a good idea to give yourself more time on your vacation than you think you’ll need. Even though it adds on cost, individual ticket prices go down as you add on days, making it a better value in the long run.
8. Consider Contacting a Travel Agent
Travel agents are not just for international vacations. Contacting a Disney travel agent will help you avoid road bumps like payment issues or any other confusion in planning your trip.
If you want to get the most out of your vacation with minimal stress, a Disney specialist travel agent will do the hard work for you.
9. Plan Your Transportation
Especially if you’re planning to fly to Anaheim or Orlando, make sure you have your transportation squared away!
It’s easy nowadays to use a ride-sharing app to get from the airport to your destination but you’ll also want to consider how you plan to get from your hotel to the parks. If you’re staying on Disney property, this won’t be much of a problem, but driving to the parks means you additionally need to consider how you’ll park your car.
10. Make the Most Of It
A Disney vacation is not something that comes around all the time. Many people save up vacation days and dollars for a long time to prepare for their vacation. Make the most of it!
You want to enjoy your Disney vacation while you’re having it so don’t be afraid to splurge a little bit or do things you wouldn’t normally do at home. Enjoy!
Creating a Disney Vacation You’ll Never Forget
Your Disney vacation should be something full of magic and fun for everyone involved. With a little bit of preparation and planning in advance, you can let go of the stress of planning your vacation once you get to the parks and just have fun.
Continue exploring the site for more travel tips and tricks!
